What is SHe-Box (Sexual Harassment e-box) Portal?

About SHe-Box Portal:

• It is a centralized platform for registering and monitoring complaints of sexual harassment of women in the workplace.
• It serves as a centralized repository of information related to Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) formed across the country, encompassing both the government and private sectors.
• It offers a common platform to file complaints, track their status, and ensure time-bound processing of complaints by ICs.
• It provides assured redressal of complaints and a streamlined process for all stakeholders. 
• The portal will also enable real-time monitoring of complaints through a designated nodal officer.
• The portal will ensure that complaints can be safely registered without personal information being publicly accessible.
• The SHe-Box portal can be accessed at https://shebox.wcd.gov.in/.
• Points to Remember:
  • In 2017, an upgraded version of SHe-Box was launched based on The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, where women who are harassed at any workplace can register their case on this, SHe-Box, file their complaint, and then two types of committees will be formed.
  • One, for private institutions, an internal committee will be formed, and for government institutions, a local committee will be formed under the chairmanship of the DM or DC or an officer appointed by them, and actions will be taken by them from time to time.

Q1: What is the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013?

The Act aims to prevent and address incidents of sexual harassment of women at their place of work and provide a mechanism for redressal of complaints related to such harassment. The Act provides a clear definition of sexual harassment, encompassing unwelcome acts or behaviour that are sexually colored, creating a hostile or intimidating work environment. The Act applies to all workplaces, including government, private, and non-governmental organizations, as well as any organization, institution, undertaking, or establishment.The Act mandates every workplace employing more than ten persons to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee. This committee is responsible for addressing complaints of sexual harassment and ensuring a safe working environment. In cases where the workplace does not have an IC (e.g., in organizations with less than ten employees or in certain specific circumstances), the district officer shall constitute a Local Committee to receive and redress complaints. The Act prohibits retaliation or adverse actions against the complainant for filing a complaint in good faith.

Source: Centre Launches Portal To Address Sexual Harassment At Workplaces | Step-by-Step Process To File Complaint On SHe-Box